Shamrock

Feeling like you should do something for St. Patrick’s Day but missed Saturday’s downtown parade or don’t fancy a drive all the way to Fountain Hills for a spray of green water?

There’s a nearer-by option that looks to check off boxes for both adults and kids: St. Patrick’s Day parties at Fat Willy’s Family Sports Grills in Mesa and Chandler.

The restaurants, on Crismon Road in Mesa and on Gilbert Road in Chandler, will fence off their parking lots for the festivities, which are free to attend.

In Chandler, three bands will supply live music 4 p.m. to midnight, and a cornhole tournament will go on 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Entry is $30 for each two-person team.

An area devoted to crafts and games for the kids will keep them occupied between bites from St. Patrick’s Day and regular food and drink menus. It’s open noon to 3 p.m.

“We’ll have corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie and Irish stew, and an all-you-can-eat fish fry all day. We also have a Dublin burger and a Reuben sandwich,” says bar manager Erica Turner.

Add to that green beer and a special dessert: Irish car bomb cupcakes. “They’re a Guinness-based chocolate cupcake with whisky ganache in the middle and a Bailey’s cream cheese frosting,” says Turner.

At the Crismon restaurant, deuling pianists will play outside 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., taking requests from patrons. Cornhole boards will be set up for free play, and a clown will make balloon animals for the youngsters, says manager Dawnika Kussman. A similar menu will be available.

DETAILS >> Doors open at early but St. Pat’s Day festivities ramp up after noon Sunday, March 17, at two Fat Willy’s locations: 9937 E. Baseline Road in Mesa and 4850 S. Gilbert Road in Chandler. Admission is free. Call (480) 380-6307 for Mesa or (480) 833-1356 for Chandler, or visit FatWillysAZ.com.